Novi hosts North American Unicycling Championship Series
More than 80 cyclists enjoy
riding Lakeshore Park trails
 
8/1/07

Earlier today, the City of Novi partnered with the Redford Township Unicycle Club (RTUC) to host a race as part of the 2007 North American Unicycling Championship Series and Convention (photos attached). The race, held at Lakeshore Park, included more than 80 participants ranging in age from 4-51 years old. Many of the riders traveled from across the country, with some as far away as Washington and Tennessee.

Located on the shores of Walled Lake, the 350-acre Lakeshore Park hosts a number of summer activities including the Kid’s Concert Series, Camp Lakeshore, Mountain Bike and Running races and more. Nature lovers enjoy the “up north” feeling in a suburban setting by walking, biking, running or skiing the 10 miles of trail.

The National Championship and Convention is held annually and rotates locations across the United States. This year the RTUC was named host club, and Michigan the host state. A number of members of the club reside in Novi and use the Lakeshore trails regularly. In addition, the RTUC annually participates in Novi’s Memorial Day Parade and the Holiday Electric Light Parade.

The championship series includes a number of different disciplines held throughout Southeast Michigan. Trail races, free-style riding, long-distance road races and unicycle basketball games are just a sample of the events held during the series.

Women’s Division winner Irene Genelin, 22, Hutchison, MN, is one of only 10 Level Ten riders in the world. She started riding at age 11 and has competed in Iowa, California, Minnesota, Michigan, Washington, and Ontario. Additionally, in June she traveled by unicycle from Slovenia to France on a 660 mile ride over 19 days. Genelin commented, “Lakeshore Park was a great race with outstanding trails. Overall the day was super!”